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Guide To The ‘Escape From Alcatraz Triathalon’

June 9, 2016 6:00 AM

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(credit: Getty Images)

In 29 years as a federal prison, “they say” nobody has ever survived an escape from Alcatraz, but every year athletes from across the country prove it possible. To compete in the 35th annual Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, athletes must qualify or be chosen in a lottery, thus becoming one of 2,000 athletes participating in this modified international distance triathlon. Its grueling course begins with a 1.5-mile swim from a boat off of Alcatraz, transitions to an 18-mile bike ride and concludes with an 8-mile run through scenic but demanding trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Join in on rubbing it in the faces of those would-be escapees, or just watch from the sidelines — this year’s race may be the best ever.

The escape begins with a 7:30 a.m. polar plunge from the San Francisco Belle into the icy waters by Alcatraz Island. With an hour to complete the 1.5-mile swim, swimmers will fight strong currents and 55-degree water. Watch them finish this leg at Marina Green Beach near St. Francis Yacht Club. From Marina Green triathletes will mount up and head out for the 18-mile cycling leg of the competition. Spectators may watch from along the route or wait at Marina Green to see who wins this portion of the race. Then comes the hard part. Racers will have 5.5 hours to complete the 8-mile run to Baker Beach Battery to complete the triathlon.

Parking is not allowed at the Marina Green or on Marina Blvd. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed prior to the start of the race. Please take public transportation, Uber/Lyft, taxi, bicycle, or have a friend drop you off at Marina Green.

The Fitness Festival, an activity hub for fans and athletes, is where everything starts, ends and transitions at Marina Green. The long history of this event, and its roughly 20,000 spectators, promises fitness vendors, promotions and plenty to eat and drink, including a beer garden. The festival is also the site of mandatory athlete meetings and packet pick-up.

Revel in these hard-working racers’ victories at Sunday’s awards ceremony on the festival stage. This is where long-time supporters of multi-year, sponsored winners and first timers alike congratulate these elite athletes.

Test your mettle at the monthly Alcatraz To Aquatic Park Swim sponsored by Water World Swim. The June event is usually filled by triathlon participants cramming in one last practice, but registration for all of the monthly events stays open for months before the race.

The Steiner Street location was the first of this local restaurant group, now numbering four, that wows fans with casual, fast, delicious organic food including veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and chilled soba noodles.

While you’re here, take a moment to appreciate the restaurant’s design, notable for the innovative use of sustainable, recycled and reused materials.

Founded in 2003, this casual restaurant honors Pacific-fresh seafood with its large menu that includes seafood salads, sandwiches, gluten-free foods, fish tacos and even tempting drinks such as the lemongrass-ginger infused iced tea. Insider’s tip: If you are looking to eat really healthy, order a rice bowl and request the half greens/half brown rice option.

Marketing communications professional Amy Rabinovitz is a Bay Area writer who has lived in Marin County, San Francisco and now resides in Silicon Valley where, for 15 years, she has been a digital and social media marketer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.